International airfare

Additional meals, excursions and activities not listed

Tips to your local guides and drivers

Alcohol or other drinks, unless specified

Required travel insurance

Arrival at the Larnaca International Airport (LCA) by early afternoon and be greeted and transferred with other participants to the Troodos area in the Platres village. Settle in at your boutique hotel before our Welcome Dinner feast of local Cypriot food. Cuisine in Cyprus is central to hospitality with dishes and flavors that span the Mediterranean to Middle East. You’ll enjoy fresh, seasonal veggies with citrus, tahini and herbs, grilled meats or legumes, farm-fresh local cheeses, and fresh seafood throughout your trip.

Meals: D

After breakfast, we’ll head out to the Nature Trail Atalante. The trail is named after the mythological Atalanta, a proud huntress and runner and protégée of the Goddess Artemis. The trail goes around Chionistra Mountain at an altitude of 1,700­-1,750 meters (about 5500 feet). There are wonderful views of all the areas of the island. You’ll also see the entrance tunnel of a chrome mine, ­ which has been out of service since 1982. The trail circles the entirety of Mount Olympus, you’ll learn about all the flora blooming along the mountainside including wild apples berry-filled junipers – including those from an 800-year-old juniper tree.

We’ll enjoy a picnic lunch along our hike and then will make our way back to our hotel in the afternoon. You’ll have time to relax before our group dinner together.

Meals: B, L, D

Hiking: 14 km/8.6 miles, about 4 hours

After breakfast, we’ll visit one of the 10 UNESCO churches that surround the area of Troodos. Timios Stavros is a 14th century church in Pelendri village decorated with exquisite wall paintings of the Palaiologan period and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. According to an inscription, the original wall paintings date to 1171-1172 with fragments of the decoration preserved under the layer of the 14th century frescoes. The main part of the church was decorated during the second half of the 14th century by at least two artists.

We’ll then head to the village of Omodos and make our way to a local tavern. But not for a pub session! Rather, you will have the chance to hone your cooking skills. Our local chef will guide us in the making of a traditional - and delicious! – dish of the region: moussaka! After our cooking class, we’ll get to enjoy the feast.

We’ll then meander our way through the narrow alleys of the village to see the old wine press and the Monastery of the Holy Cross, which is the major point in the village square.

We’ll then visit one of the best local wineries in Omodos. You’ll get to meet the owners themselves, learn about the wine production and of course taste the wine itself!

We’ll return in the afternoon with time to rest up before dinner together.

Meals: B, L, D

After breakfast, we’ll head to the Doxa soi o Theos – Teishia tis Madaris, a trail that means glory to God! There are panoramic views in all directions as you make your way up to about 1,400­-1,600 meters (5200 feet) along the Madari ridge. The path ends close to the top of Adelfoi Mountain, where you can rest up or climb a bit further to the Madari fire lookout tower, which overlooks the area.

After the hiking, you’ll get a special reward: A forest picnic! Be prepared for a well-earned feast packed with traditional flavors including fresh vegetables, olives, taxini (sesame paste), tzatziki, fresh local bread, potato salad, and traditional meats or vegetarian options. Also included is some local wine to wash it down!

Once we’re satisfied, we’ll return to our hotel for a free afternoon and dinner options at your mountain resort.

Meals: B, L

Hiking: 13 km/8 miles, about 4 hours

After breakfast, we’ll check out of our Troodos mountain resort and head to the Kato Paphos area which is included in the UNESCO Heritage list. As we make our way there, we’ll pass through various small villages and forest landscapes. On the way, we will stop at a traditional kafenion (coffee shop), for having Cyprus coffee. Once we arrive at Kato Paphos, we will visit the Archaeological Park and the House of Dionysos, where you’ll see mosaics. These are some of the finest among the Eastern Mediterranean, depicting scenes from Greek mythology.

You’ll have time to enjoy Paphos’ picturesque harbor and medieval fort and have free time for lunch. In the afternoon we’ll head to our boutique mountain hotel overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. We’ve left plenty of time in the schedule for you to enjoy their infinity pool and sunset views before a fantastic Cypriot dinner.

Meals: B, D

Today after a leisurely breakfast we will take a short hike at a trail called Smigies. You’ll see beautiful views of the coastline of the Akamas peninsula to the west, where we’ll be spending our afternoon on the water. You’ll see­ Lara Bay ­ and later on, to the east, views of Chrysochous Bay in the direction of Latsi, Polis, Pachyammos and Pafos (Paphos) forest. The route runs past the old mines, magnesium facilities, and abandoned kilns, and through a dense section of the Akamas Forest. The trail also connects with the Adonis trail at Kefalovrisia, where you will find a non­ potable water fountain.

After some free time for lunch, get ready for a water adventure! We’ll take a private 3-hour sunset cruise on a small yacht along the coast of Akamas and swim in the crystal-clear waters of the Blue Lagoon. We’ll leave the lagoon just before the sun begins to set, with its pink and orange streaks along the sky - a true Cyprus nature experience!

When returning to the harbor, you’ll have time for dinner at the picturesque Latchi harbor before heading back to the hotel to rest up for the evening.

Meals: B

After breakfast, we’ll pack up and check out of our mountain resort before we explore yet another historic trail! The Adonis & Aphrodite trail hearkens to the mythology of Adonis, the lover of the Goddess of Love Aphrodite. This trail is a bit more difficult than the previous two, with some technical parts of the path. Good hiking shoes with ankle support are a must for this one!

From the western part of the trail you’ll see the various beaches of Akamas, such as Lara Bay. To complete a circular path, we take a small portion along a road connecting the Baths of Aphrodite and Polis where, according to legend, the Goddess of Love and Beauty used to take her baths. We will also pass by the ruins of Pyrgos tis Rigainas (Queen’s Tower), which are believed to belong to a medieval monastery. Also noteworthy is a 500­ year­ old oak tree, which is located near the ruins of the tower. All along the trail you’ll see breathtaking views of Cape Arnaoutis, Polis Chrysochous and Pafos Forest.

After the hike, we’ll have a seafood feast at a tavern near the Baths of Aphrodite. There you can enjoy gorgeous Mediterranean views and a relaxed meal, Cypriot style!

In the afternoon, we’ll make our way to Lefkara village, enjoying a beautiful route along the Mediterranean sea. We’ll stop at Aphrodite’s Rock, the birthplace of Aphrodite. Legend has it that this is where the goddess of love arose from the foam.

We’ll arrive early evening in the charming village of Lefkara, with its windy cobblestone streets lined with bougainvillea, fig and carob trees. You’ll have free time to enjoy dinner and relax with a cocktail or swim at our local boutique hotel.

Meals: B, L

Hiking: 13 km/8 miles, about 4 hours

This morning we’ll take a walk around Lefkara village, one of the most beautiful and picturesque villages in the mountainous area of Larnaca. The village is very traditional and is famous for its handmade lace and embroidery called “Lefkaritika.” We’ll visit the Lefkara Handicraft Center where you will be able to see exhibits of the traditional lace and some local ladies will show you their handicraft. After lunch, you’ll have free time to explore the narrow streets and local boutique shops.

Tonight, we’ll head to the nearby village of Choirokoitia where you’ll experience true traditional Cypriot hospitality. We’ll start by meeting a master in making traditional woven baskets, a critical component to daily life in Cyprus. You’ll also learn the role of baskets in how halloumi cheese is made - and of course, get to taste it! We’ll enjoy a fabulous farewell dinner in the beautiful garden along with some traditional dancing - which of course you are invited to participate in!

Meals: B, D

We say farewell to our Cyprus experience today. Transfers will be provided from Lefkara to Larnaca airport (LCA); leave at any time that suits. Additional nights in Lefkara or Larnaca can also be arranged.

You'll be paired with a roommate of your same gender unless you request your own room.

$4495 per person, double occupancy

+$595 “my own room” option

Extra room nights, on request

Minimum 4 people.

$4795 per person, double occupancy

+$595 “my own room” option or for odd numbers (3, 5, etc.)

Extra room nights, on request

Extra nights in Lefkara or Larnaca, prices on request

The hikes on our 9-day Cyprus itinerary are lower intermediate, with an average of 10km per hike taking 3-4 hours. We take the pace according to group dynamics and make sure to not go too fast or slow for participants. The terrain is Mediterranean with rocky inclines but not too technical. However, we do recommend sturdy hiking shoes with ankle support and good grip.

The island of Cyprus is divided into two parts: The Republic of Cyprus on the southern side (also informally known as Greek Cyprus) and the Turkish occupied region on the northern side. We do not visit the Turkish-controlled area of Cyprus, as it is not recognized as a state by anyone but Turkey and travel there is not advised.

Cyprus is generally a very safe country to travel to with low rates of crime and a “Level 1” at travel.state.gov The only area which travelers are not advised to visit is the UN Buffer Zone separating Greek and Turkish Cyprus.

YES! Some of the best travel is done by yourself and we have no doubt you’ll leave with friends!